Obituary of John Russell Thompson

John Russell Thompson, a United States Marine Veteran and former Bulington Police Officer, passed suddenly from heart attack, on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the age of 55 years old.  John was born in Stoneham and grew up in Burlington on Sawyer Street where many childhood memories and lifelong friendships were made. John graduated from Burlington High School, Class of 1988. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and was called to active duty in 1991 serving in Operation Desert Shield and Storm.  During his tour he was injured when his military vehicle overturned.  He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. John worked for almost 20 years as a Patrolman for the Burlington Police Department.  He was proud to serve his hometown community for those years.

John was all about his family.  His sons were his world. He was so proud of each of them for following their passions, as they become strong young men.  John was really dedicated both as a volunteer in hockey and as a supportive parent, whether it was helping with the team or cheering from the stands.  Lake Winnipesaukee was a special place for the family.  He loved summer vacations and weekends of which they spent at the beach and on the water creating lasting memories.  He had a passion for boating, cruising the lake, hitting the sand bars, and towing his sons on tubes. He was a lifelong Bruins fan and had season tickets for many years. He was so proud to have been able to take his dad to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals where the Bruin’s overcame a 3-0 series deficit to win the cup.  He loved cruising on his Harley.  He also enjoyed playing cards, shooting pool and simply hanging out with his family and friends. 

John was that person who was also willing to help you and always had your back, no matter what the situation.  He will be remembered for his easy-going personality and usual response of “Whatever” to avoid conflicts.   John was loved by his family and friends and will be forever missed by his sons’ Cameron and Connor.

John was the loving father of Cameron John Thompson and Connor George Thompson.  He was the son of Eileen (Ondrizek) Thompson of Portsmouth, VA, and the late Russell Thompson.  He was the brother of James Thompson of Antrim, NH, & his partner Deb Waldinger, Glenn Thompson of Woburn and his partner Bryanne Frangioso, Joseph Thompson of Clinton & his partner Lisa Privetera, and Elizabeth Shelnut of Reading & her partner Chad Garvey.  He was the former husband of Jennifer (DeYoung) Thompson of Wilmington.  He was the proud Uncle of Andrew, Stephanie, Patrick, Joshua, Aaron, Julia, Ryan, Payton, Dylan, Colin, Brynn, and Kylee.  He was also survived by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins; as well as, many great Nieces and Nephews, and Friends.  He will be dearly missed by anyone fortunate enough to have known him!

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Thursday, November 7 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial with military honors at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. 

Memorials in John’s name may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, www.nechv.org, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108. 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net